Tennessee suspends WR Pig Howard for opener vs. Bowling Green

Tennessee has suspended wide receiver Alton “Pig” Howard for the Volunteers' season opener against Bowling Green on Sept. 5, head coach Butch Jones said in a press conference on Thursday.

“This isn't something that just occurred,” Jones said. “This is something that dates back many months. To Alton's credit, I like the way he's approached training camp. He's had the best training camp that he's had since we've been here. I'm appreciative of his efforts, but he will miss the Bowling Green game.”

Jones did not provide a reason for the suspension, only saying that it was a violation of team rules.

Howard has been the team's leading wide receiver in the last two seasons. He recorded 54 catches for 618 yards and scored three touchdowns in 2014 as the Vols finished 7-6. He sits in 13th place on Tennessee's all-time receptions list.

The team also announced that freshman Vincent Perry will have a scope for a meniscus injury that he suffered earlier this week.